It's not a conversation any parent wants to have with a child. But if the bank's taking the family home, children need to know, area counselors say.

The loss of a home, even the months before the bank takes over, are traumatic for the entire family. And with many economists predicting little relief from the mortgage crisis in the next couple of years, it's an issue more families will continue to face. The best way to do that is openly and honestly, experts say.

Most importantly, tell the truth to your children, said Vicki Santos, a psychologist with Creative Psychology Ltd. in Crystal Lake.